A Closer Look: Robert Windsor DT (R6•P14)

[EastStreet]

Name: Robert Windsor
Nickname: Big Cheese
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robertwindsor54

Hometown: Fond Du Lac, WI
Age: January 15, 1997 (age 23)
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 290 lbs
School: Penn State
School2: NA

College Position (latest): Defensive Tackle
College Position2: NA
Likely NFL Position: Defensive Tackle

 

Pick: Round 6 • Pick 14 (193)
40 Time: 4.9
Vert: 28.5
Draft Grade: 5.46
Draft Projection: Round 7/Priority free agent
Taken Higher Than Projected: Yes
HS 247 Grade: 0.8453 (3 Star)

 

Captain: No
Injury Flags: NA
Attitude or Behavior Flags: NA

 

School Awards:
Lions Pride Outstanding Senior Player Award
Conference Awards:
All-Big Ten third team
National Awards: NA

 

Family History:  NA

 

Academic: 
Telecommunications Degree (2017) 
Working on a 2nd degree in media studies

 

Stats
Year1: RS
Year2: 23 TOT, 1.5 TFL, 1 Sack
Year3: 19 TOT, 2.5 TFL, 2 Sacks
Year4: 38 TOT, 10 TFL, 6.5 Sacks
Year5: 40 TOT, 5.0 TFL, 3.5 Sacks

 

School Bio:
https://gopsusports.com/sports/football/roster/robert-windsor/9561

 

NFL.com Bio:
Windsor garnered third-team All-Big Ten recognition despite average production (40 tackles, five for loss, 3.5 sacks in 13 starts) in 2019. He stepped into the starting lineup for the Nittany Lions as a junior in 2018, making enough plays in 12 games (39 tackles, 11 for loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles) to receive honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from league coaches. The former all-state pick from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, had been a key backup for PSU the previous two seasons. He started once in 14 games played as a redshirt freshman (23 tackles, 1.5 for loss) and then contributed in all 13 games of the 2017 season (19 stops, two sacks, three fumble recoveries).

 

NFL.com Overview:
Undersized interior lineman who lacks explosive quickness and power to compensate for his lack of mass. Windsor doesn't carry a very broad frame, so he might have issues packing on good weight to withstand the rigors of the NFL game. He has decent initial quickness, is agile and plays with motor, but he has only one year of flash production (2018) and has just 48 solo tackles in 51 career games. Undersized interior linemen without a great pass rush have a hard time sticking around for long so he'll need to get bigger and better with his hands to have a shot at making a team.

 

NFL.com Strengths:
Willing to play hurt and go hard
Posted 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks over last two seasons
Play strength to win one-on-one blocks
Spies runner to shed blocker based upon lane choice
Adequate quickness to disrupt in backside gaps
Loose hips with a tight end's gait in pursuit
Constant rush hustle brings opportunities
Flashed winning wrist control as rusher against Purdue and Iowa
Above-average agility once inside the pocket

 

NFL.com Weaknesses:
Production fell way off from big 2018 campaign
Missing NFL mass and will get pushed around at this weight
Not much jolt into initial contact
Struggles to maintain gap integrity against extra blockers
Allowed himself to be reached and stacked
Needs feet in closer contact with the ground
Doesn't have quick-win hands or control point of attack consistently
Rush production often occurred well after initial snap

 

East Street's Worthless Opinion:
Talent Grade (O or D): C
Talent Grade (STs): D
Team Need Grade: C+
Round Value Grade: D
55 Man Chance: 30%
Practice Squad Chance: 60%
Floor: Cut
Ceiling: Depth DT
Year 1 Prediction: Practice Squad
Long Term Prediction: Camp bouncer

 

East Street's Hot Take:
Smart and tough undersized DL who was a 5 year hard working team guy. Lunch pale kind of kid. Graduated in 3 years, and worked on degree #2 during 4th and 5th year. Play dropped off a bit in 2019 from a sack perspective, but tackle production was still there. Will likely compete with Lewis for the last DT spot, but I'd say a PS guy year one. Needs to add a little mass, but not sure if his frame will handle it. Good kid, hard worker, just not sure if the ceiling his high enough. Great kid to cheer for.

 

Links:
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/rob-windsor?id=32195749-4e13-2790-706b-4a6f52ff0afa

 

Vids:

 

 

 

 

 

[John Hammonds]

Says something about Tyquan Lewis when a 6th round undertalented guy with loads of desire can legitimately compete with a 2nd round pick.

[EastStreet]

1 hour ago, John Hammonds said:

Says something about Tyquan Lewis when a 6th round undertalented guy with loads of desire can legitimately compete with a 2nd round pick.

Hoping this offseason was good for Lewis. If he hasn't taken a step forward this year, I'm giving up... 

[Shive]

24 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

Hoping this offseason was good for Lewis. If he hasn't taken a step forward this year, I'm giving up... 

My fear when we drafted him was that he was a tweener without a set position and I'm just consistently wondering where his best fit is on our DL. Should he primarily man the LDE spot vacated by Sheard or 3T? I know they loved his versatility to play both, but I'm not sure that he's built to play inside. He definitely doesn't have the explosive traits to be a pass rushing threat off the edge, but potentially setting the edge and playing contain on running downs?

 

I'm with you though, if we don't see a significant contribution by Lewis this season, it may be time to cut bait.

[EastStreet]

29 minutes ago, Shive said:

My fear when we drafted him was that he was a tweener without a set position and I'm just consistently wondering where his best fit is on our DL. Should he primarily man the LDE spot vacated by Sheard or 3T? I know they loved his versatility to play both, but I'm not sure that he's built to play inside. He definitely doesn't have the explosive traits to be a pass rushing threat off the edge, but potentially setting the edge and playing contain on running downs?

 

I'm with you though, if we don't see a significant contribution by Lewis this season, it may be time to cut bait.

I've never liked him at DE. I think this is a case where Ballard and team tried to get a bit too cute on flexibility. Reminds me a bit of Banogu at SAM... Don't get me wrong, I love versatility, but I prefer to have them really good at one, and at least average at the other. Autry is to an extent the same, but at least showed productivity at DE in OAK before we got him. I think he'll cut some pounds and look better this year and play more DE.

[NorthernColt]

5 hours ago, John Hammonds said:

Says something about Tyquan Lewis when a 6th round undertalented guy with loads of desire can legitimately compete with a 2nd round pick.

I dont really think they'll be competing tbh. Almost certain Lewis is going back to strong side DE in the sheard role on early downs this year. Him, Autry, and AQM. 

 

I have a good feeling about Lewis this year. His situation feels different then Quincy Wilsons did. His work ethic or motor has never really been in question from what I've heard, just got struck with the injury bug last year. Was pretty good in his rookie season.

[funktacious2]

Yeah, he's probably my least favorite pick thus far. I get the position but from what little I can read about the guy he doesn't excite me. But then again he's a late a rounder and this was just a good draft so it's easy to criticize the picks that don't seem exceptional.

[Hoose]

This is the one pick I just don't get. But obviously they see some potential as a rotational guy. Hope so. He's a good story and from what I've read definitely a Colts kind of guy. Really thought they'd go O-line with this pick. Oh well. 

[rock8591]

Looks like Biff Tannen from Back to the Future movies, LOL.

 

 

[SteelCityColt]

You had me at Big Cheese...

 

However I mostly with your take. He's not a freak athlete lacking refinement and the consequent numbers to show for it, nor a solid producer historically.

[Defjamz26]

I say he makes it and will best out Lewis. The DT rotation will be

 

-Buckner

-Grover

-Autry 

-Day

-Windsor

[Horse Shoe Heaven]

Was not a fan of the pick. After listening to him talk, hes a worker with a high motor. Hes a better pass rusher than you think watching tape. Doesn't give up and pushs the pocket. Hard guy to not root for. I just got a feeling that this guys going to be a solid pick. Time will tell. 

[jimmy g]

I listen to PSU as much as I can.  Windsor, for what it is, was a stopper when he was in. PSU defense fell apart when he wasn’t in.  Granted, it was College, and not NFL. Don’t have a clue what he does, or how he does it, but in college, he found a way.  I’ll root for him.

[Mr.NotSoCreative]

Will always root for an underdog. My guess is PS at first, Lewis will get injured again and allow for his opportunity. Good luck kid!

[NewEra]

Rooting for him big time. He had something that can't be taught, heart. The dude just doesn't stop or give up. You see that in Nelson. It's contagious. That propels good to great. The great keep working when everyone else clocks out. 

[LockeDown]

If you listen or read our scouts take on him, this guy doesn’t need to add weight or anything or do anything else special. . His skill set and body type is plug and play. He played against N FL quality linemen in college and consistently penetrated and disrupted running plays. It sounds like they expect him to make the cut and play now.

[dodsworth]

On 5/3/2020 at 7:13 PM, Defjamz26 said:

I say he makes it and will best out Lewis. The DT rotation will be

 

-Buckner

-Grover

-Autry 

-Day

-Windsor

Lewis is dead man walking.

[krunk]

On 4/30/2020 at 9:29 AM, EastStreet said:

I've never liked him at DE. I think this is a case where Ballard and team tried to get a bit too cute on flexibility. Reminds me a bit of Banogu at SAM... Don't get me wrong, I love versatility, but I prefer to have them really good at one, and at least average at the other. Autry is to an extent the same, but at least showed productivity at DE in OAK before we got him. I think he'll cut some pounds and look better this year and play more DE.

You mean you never liked him at DT right?

[Hoose]

41 minutes ago, krunk said:

You mean you never liked him at DT right?

No doubt that’s what he meant. And I agree with him. Lewis’ future is make or break at DE. Let’s hope he busts out and becomes a contributor. It wouldn’t shock me one bit. 

[ClaytonColt]

I love this guys attitude and demeanor. 

 

I just can't figure out a spot for him to play. Not athletic and penetrating enough for a pass rusher and nowhere near big enough as a run stuffer. I just don't see a future but he's definitely a guy you wish well for.

[rock8591]

Best case scenario - Kyle Williams. I remember when Kyle was drafted, undersized 6'1'' 295 lbs, average athlete, not twitchy at all but had a long career (unfortunately all with a losing team); except Windsor is taller and longer, but less densely built.

 

Can be a situational pass rusher or DE in our scheme, ala Raheem Brock.

 

I can see this on passing downs:

 

Houston

Buckner

Autry/Windsor

Turay/Banogu

 

And on running downs:

Houston

Buckner

Stewart

Autry/Windsor

[Defjamz26]

On 5/5/2020 at 7:45 AM, dodsworth said:

Lewis is dead man walking.

Yeah. Ballard seems to be a little fed up with the guys who ha e shown “flashes” but never really reached their potential (Wilson, Hooker, etc...).

 

Ballard is part of the blame though for sticking him at a position he had no business at to begin with. Idk why he had this fixation with 270 lb DTs  for awhile.

[PeterBowman]

Well iron sharpens iron I guess. 

 

2 things will happen.

1) Lewis makes the leap and balls out, which helps the team or

2) Lewis doesn't make the leap, Windsor takes his spot and Lewis is cut...which helps the team. 

[dodsworth]

1 hour ago, Defjamz26 said:

Yeah. Ballard seems to be a little fed up with the guys who ha e shown “flashes” but never really reached their potential (Wilson, Hooker, etc...).

 

Ballard is part of the blame though for sticking him at a position he had no business at to begin with. Idk why he had this fixation with 270 lb DTs  for awhile.

I agree, Dingy tried that and failed with tweeter linemen.

[LockeDown]

3 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

Yeah. Ballard seems to be a little fed up with the guys who ha e shown “flashes” but never really reached their potential (Wilson, Hooker, etc...).

 

Ballard is part of the blame though for sticking him at a position he had no business at to begin with. Idk why he had this fixation with 270 lb DTs  for awhile.

Why is it Ballard’s fault where he plays?  Ballard grabs versatile guys and the coaches use them as they see fit.

[Coffeedrinker]

6 hours ago, PeterBowman said:

Well iron sharpens iron I guess. 

 

2 things will happen.

1) Lewis makes the leap and balls out, which helps the team or

2) Lewis doesn't make the leap, Windsor takes his spot and Lewis is cut...which helps the team. 

There is a 3rd option

3) Lewis doesn't make the leap and the team decides Windsor doesn't show enough to keep a roster spot, Lewis is cut and Windsor is cut... which may or may not help the team.

[EastStreet]

On 5/5/2020 at 8:03 AM, krunk said:

You mean you never liked him at DT right?

Actually, I did mean DE, but to be honest, just wasn't a fan of him at DE or DT. Like I said above, to much of a tweener at only 6-3, and weighing 270ish. He played both DE and DT at OSU, and looked best at DT during pass rush downs.

[Defjamz26]

On 5/6/2020 at 2:30 PM, LockeDown said:

Why is it Ballard’s fault where he plays?  Ballard grabs versatile guys and the coaches use them as they see fit.

Well If I’m not mistaken it was Ballard who said that he wanted him at DT. Idk how much him saying that influencers what the coaches did with him, but it’s not the first time we’ve heard Ballard say what position he thinks a player belongs at. He openly stated that it was his idea to move TJ Green to corner too.

 

But since Ballard makes the draft picks In assuming he has a vision for where each player will play.

[LockeDown]

1 hour ago, Defjamz26 said:

Well If I’m not mistaken it was Ballard who said that he wanted him at DT. Idk how much him saying that influencers what the coaches did with him, but it’s not the first time we’ve heard Ballard say what position he thinks a player belongs at. He openly stated that it was his idea to move TJ Green to corner too.

 

But since Ballard makes the draft picks In assuming he has a vision for where each player will play.

The Oline coach wanted Braden Smith to play RT even though Ballard brought him in thinking guard.  If Lewis is better at DE, I would think the coaches should make that determination. 

[gspdx]

Pretty scary when a guy that is 6'4" and 290 lbs is called undersized!  Man this league has changed.

[rock8591]

On 5/3/2020 at 5:22 PM, rock8591 said:

Looks like Biff Tannen from Back to the Future movies, LOL.

 

 

 

For anyone who liked my post, you're all a bunch of buttheads.

 

(reference to Biff Tannen's character in the movies btw)

[NewColtsFan]

DT.                      DE

BUCKNER.         HOUSTON

STEWART.          AUTRY

DAY.                     TURAY

LEWIS.                BENAGU

WINDSOR           GREEN

 

There.   Five tackles, five ends.   Ballard wants 10 DL and here are 10.   
 

Am I missing someone?   Is there someone who should be on this list in place of someone?   Who?   I’m open to other ideas.   Of course, things could change if we sign a FA like Clowney or Griffin.  But until then these are the 10. 

[Shive]

8 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:

DT.                      DE

BUCKNER.         HOUSTON

STEWART.          AUTRY

DAY.                     TURAY

LEWIS.                BENAGU

WINDSOR           GREEN

 

There.   Five tackles, five ends.   Ballard wants 10 DL and here are 10.   
 

Am I missing someone?   Is there someone who should be on this list in place of someone?   Who?   I’m open to other ideas.   Of course, things could change if we sign a FA like Clowney or Griffin.  But until then these are the 10. 

Muhammed could make that DE list over Green and Lewis may be used more as a DE in Sheard's old spot, but he and Autry luckily have some flexibility at both if needed.

[NewColtsFan]

3 hours ago, Shive said:

Muhammed could make that DE list over Green and Lewis may be used more as a DE in Sheard's old spot, but he and Autry luckily have some flexibility at both if needed.

Yup.   Good catch.   My bad.   Muhammad.   Surprised I forgot him while writing this.   Someone like Green goes to the PS.    Thanks again.